Wakeboard binding lubricant and method of using same

ABSTRACT

A water soluble composition for use as a wakeboard binding lubricant consisting essentially of glycerine, propylene glycol, sorbitol, methylparaben, benzoic acid, hydroxyethyl cellulose, sodium hydroxide and water. A method of use is also described.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to wakeboarding and more particularly to a water soluble composition for providing lubrication between a wakeboarder's foot and the wakeboard binding for entry of the foot into the binding as well as to a method of using the composition.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The popular sport of wakeboarding necessarily requires a wakeboarder to place one or more of his or her feet into bindings. Because of the restrictive nature of the bindings, this is a particularly difficult task and is usually facilitated by the use of various household products such as dish detergent and/or shaving cream as temporary lubricants. The present inventor believes that the use of such household products should be discouraged as they contain pollutants. Several commercial products including SLOOSH™ and MOOSE JUICE™ are also available.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a high quality, non-polluting water soluble composition for facilitating the step of placing one's foot or feet in restrictive wakeboard bindings consisting essentially of glycerine, propylene glycol, sorbitol, methylparaben, benzoic acid, hydroxyethyl cellulose, sodium hydroxide and water.

In another aspect of the invention, a method of placing a wakeboarder's foot in the restrictive binding of a wakeboard before use comprises the steps of lubricating one or both of the foot and binding interior with the water soluble composition as described above and thereafter placing the foot in the binding.

A third aspect of the invention consists of using a commercially available and conventional wakeboard equipped with restrictive bindings comprising the steps of lubricating one or both of the foot and binding interior of the wakeboard with a water soluble composition as described above, placing the foot in the binding and thereafter placing the wakeboard in a body of recreational water, the effect of which is to dilute and wash away the lubricant to provide a firm association between the wakeboarder's foot and the wakeboard during use.

Other applications of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art when the following description of the best mode contemplated for practicing the invention is read.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

According to the present invention, the wakeboarder may facilitate the task of placing his or her foot or feet in the restrictive bindings of a wakeboard by, prior to such placing step, lubricating one or both of the foot and the interior of the binding with a water soluble composition consisting of glycerine, propylene glycol, sorbitol, methylparaben, benzoic acid, hydroxyethyl cellulose, sodium hydroxide and water, and thereafter placing the foot in the binding. The binding is then placed in a body of recreational water which has the effect of diluting and washing away the lubricant. This has the beneficial effect of adding to the grip or adhesion between the wakeboarder's foot and ankle and the interior of the restrictive binding during use. Withdrawal of one's foot from the wakeboard is much easier than entering the wakeboard and does not require lubricant. However, in the extreme case, some additional lubricant may be forced into the gap between the foot and the interior surface of the wakeboard binding to facilitate the withdrawal process.

A suitable composition is available from Johnson & Johnson under the trademark K-Y® and is available in liquid and gel form. Such product is advertised and sold for use as a personal lubricant to facilitate interpersonal sexual activities and/or for use as a medicinal product. It has been found that the product is superior to many other products which are marketed specifically for wakeboard lubrication and vastly superior to the use of household products including dish soap, shaving cream and various body lotions. It is, of course, important that the product be water soluble so that it is diluted and/or washed away by water during the initial stages of the wakeboarding activity.

While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as is permitted under the law. 

1. A method of placing a wakeboarder's foot in the restrictive binding of a wakeboard before use comprising the steps of: lubricating one or both of the wakeboarder's foot and binding interior with a water-soluble composition consisting of glycerine, propylene glycol, sorbitol, methylparaben, benzoic acid, hydroxyethyl cellulose, sodium hydroxide and water; and, thereafter, placing the wakeboarder's foot in the binding.
 2. A method of using a wakeboard comprising the steps of: lubricating one or both of the wakeboarder's foot and binding interior with a water-soluble composition consisting of glycerine, propylene glycol, sorbitol, methylparaben, benzoic acid, hydroxyethyl cellulose, sodium hydroxide and water; placing the wakeboarder's foot in the binding; and placing the wakeboard in a body of recreational water.
 3. A water soluble composition for lubricating a wakeboard's binding consisting essentially of glycerine, propylene glycol, sorbitol, methylparaben, benzoic acid, hydroxyethyl cellulose, sodium hydroxide and water. 